With the quality facilities and service that you'd expect from BIG4, BIG4 Classic Parks are great for a simple short stay while on the road, or as a relaxing, cost-effective base for a longer stay exploring the local region. Find out more Toowoomba, QLD

With the quality facilities and service that you'd expect from BIG4, BIG4 Classic Parks are great for a simple short stay while on the road, or as a relaxing, cost-effective base for a longer stay exploring the local region. Find out more

Things to See and Do

Near Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia

An easy drive south of Toowoomba and you are in Steele Rudd country. Explore the pioneer history and writings of Arthur Hoey Davis throughout the shires of Cambooya, Pittsworth and Millmerran. Take a day trip to Highfields and stop in for morning tea or lunch in one of the many cafes or country pubs while investigating the quaint shops, galleries, nurseries and museums. Drive the designated tourist…

An easy drive south of Toowoomba and you are in Steele Rudd country. Explore the pioneer history and writings of Arthur Hoey Davis throughout the shires of Cambooya, Pittsworth and Millmerran. Take a day trip to Highfields and stop in for morning tea or lunch in one of the many cafes or country pubs while investigating the quaint shops, galleries, nurseries and museums. Drive the designated tourist drives through Crows Nest, Rosalie, Jondaryan, Dalby and the Bunya Mountains. While to the west of Toowoomba, your experiences will be wide and varied, from nature based activities like bushwalking and bird watching to warm, hearty country cuisine and hospitality.

Events

Information

Local Highlights

Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre
Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre is conveniently located on James Street (Warrego Highway) in Toowoomba. open daily from 9am – 5pm (except Good Friday and Christmas Day) this accredited Visitor Information Centre offers a one stop shop for travel information and mementos. Staffed by skilled and knowledgeable locals, Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre can provide advice on things to see, things to do and where to eat. Visit the friendly volunteers to discuss your touring plans, or to buy local products (food and gifts) and souvenirs. Parking is available for cars, coaches & caravans. A nearby park has playground, picnic & BBQ facilities, making it a convenient stop on a long journey.

Toowoomba Japanese Gardens
One of the most peaceful and beautiful parks in Toowoomba is the University's Ju Raku En Japanese Garden. Located on the northern side of the campus, on a four and a half hectare site, it is Australia's largest and most traditionally designed Japanese stroll garden. The Garden is a popular venue for weddings. Spring weddings are often held under the mass of lilac blossoms hanging from the Wisteria Pergola, while other couples choose to be married in front of the waterfall or under the Viewing Pavilion on one of the islands. The Garden has limited access for disabled persons, and public restrooms are available. The Garden is open daily from 6:00am (AEST) to Dusk and admission is free.

Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery
At 531 Ruthven Street, the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery is the oldest public art gallery in regional Queensland and was established in Toowoomba in 1938. The current facility opened in March 1994, and is owned and maintained by council. Admission is free and access for the disabled is from street level, with a lift leading to the upper floor. The Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday: 10am - 4pm, Sunday 1pm - 4pm, Closed Mondays and all public holidays.

Highfields Pioneer Village
Highfields Pioneer Village Museum and Park Inc is a voluntary community based non-profit organisation established in April 2000 and run by volunteers who support and maintain the pioneer village at Highfields. Our unique and idyllic little patch of Australian history has a series of gorgeous and stunning relics into the past, which have been kept in perfect condition. No matter how old you are there is something for everyone at Highfields Pioneer Village!

Warrego Wines
Warrego Wines is a modern winery near the historic township of Marburg, part of one of Queensland's newest wine regions - The Scenic Rim. The winery provides spectacular views of the beautiful mountains nearby and a selection of some of Queensland's finest wines.

Jondaryan Woolshed
The heritage-listed Woolshed at Jondaryan is the oldest and largest operating Woolshed in the world with over 150 years of history. Visit us and experience the relaxed, rural atmosphere as you take a self-guided tour of the historic museum village.
Enjoy a delicious meal and authentic country hospitality at the new Woolshed Café Restaurant open 7 days or visit the Damper Hut for an Australian-style Devonshire Tea and Ploughman’s Lunch open Monday to Thursday. The Woolshed at Jondaryan is open 7 days from 8:30am to 4:30pm (Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day).

Cuckoo Clock & Grandfather Clock Centre
Black Forest Hill Grandfather and Cuckoo Clock Centre is located just 20 minutes drive north of Toowoomba on the road to Crows Nest. Located on the edge of the Great Diving Range, it's a comfortable two hour drive west of Brisbane and is one of many tourist attractions in the area. Whether a grandfather clock or a hanging clock, with plain, stylish or artistic carving, with a cuckoo or with chimes we have a wide range of clocks and other unique gifts to suit every taste. Come and see all the wonderful clocks. Enjoy a German experience! We are open 6 days (8.30am to 4.30pm Tues – Fri and 9.30am to 4.00pm Sat & Sun).

Darling Downs Zoo
The Darling Downs Zoo is Queensland's newest zoo and is situated in a tranquil rural setting on Queensland's beautiful eastern Darling Downs ... about midway between Toowoomba and Warwick. The zoo is divided into four separate geographical areas and features animals from Africa, South America, South-east Asia as well as Australia. Our emphasis is on housing and displaying animals in appropriate social groupings as well as in naturalistically themed habitats.

Cobb + Co Museum
Cobb+Co Museum is part of the Queensland Museum and is home to the National Carriage Collection. As well as Cobb & Co coaches, our collection includes examples of a vast range of vehicles from the horse-drawn era, from farm wagons and delivery carts to the Rolls Royce of Carriages, the landau.
The Museum showcases a new and interactive world of exhibitions that tell more of the character stories and history of the Darling Downs region.
Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of displays including travelling exhibitions, areas dedicated to Darling Downs and local Indigenous histories, a children's activity centre and cafe.
Visitors can discover a wealth of information about the people, the history and the natural and built environment of the Darling Downs, in the era when coaches and horses were the lifeline of the settlements. The Museum's extensive display of coaches will fascinate visitors.
The Cobb & Co. Museum is now part of the Queensland Heritage Trails Network, which links 43 authentic heritage attractions within the State.

Picnic Point
Picnic Point Toowoomba, situated approx. 700 metres above sea level, has a proud history of offering hospitality to the people of Toowoomba & to our very welcome tourists.
The yummy menu changes with the seasons. Dine al fresco on the terrace or inside by the window. By day the cafe offers efficient counter service. At breakfast you may expect freshly made waffles, at lunch the options range from a light snack to a full meal. Friday and Saturday nights they put on the linen and open for an ala carte dinner service. Enjoy a drink at dusk on the terrace and then move inside to be waited upon.
Located in the heart of Picnic Point Park and surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, this venue is perfect for your next function. Picnic Point is uniquely equipped to cater to the needs of business, weddings and events at every level.
In the past, Picnic Point was popular for it’s cans of fresh mountain air, the camera obscura & Peters ice creams at Picnic Point kiosk.
These days, Picnic Point has a very contemporary feel & still offers extensive hospitality to our regular customers & visitors to Toowoomba.

Spring Bluff Railway Station
Spring Bluff Railway Station is a heritage listed site located on the main railway line between Ipswich and Toowoomba. Its significance stems from 130 years of railway history and the attraction of its landscaped gardens. In 1914 Queensland Railways launched a garden competition to encourage railway staff to beautify the stations and grow vegetables. The gardens are now beautifully maintained and have won awards in the Carnival of Flowers competition over many years.
The grounds are open for visitors all year round to enjoy a picnic or barbecue or perhaps a visit to the Spring Bluff Cafe for coffee and treats.
Spring Bluff Railway Station has been the venue for many weddings over the years and the quaint country-feel to the Station lends itself to being one of the most romantic outdoor wedding venues in the Region. It's a beautiful spot for wedding photos too!
Whatever the reason for visiting Spring Bluff Railway Station - picnic, coffee at the cafe, family outing, wedding, or just relaxing in the peaceful surrounds - they'll guarantee you'll want to come back for the Spring Bluff experience.

Ravensbourne National Park
For many years, Ravensbourne National Park was a traditional stop over for Aboriginal people en route to and from the bunya festivals in the Bunya Mountains. Today, visitors come to admire majestic Sydney Blue Gums and more than 80 bird species, including Green Catbirds and vulnerable Black-Breasted Button-Quail. Under the rainforest's dense canopy, orchids and elkhorns thrive. Take a day to explore the park's five short tracks (the longest is two hours). Near Cedar Block's self-guiding walk, Beutel lookout gives panoramic views of the Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim. On other tracks, watch for Red-Tailed Black-Cockatoos in the she-oaks and listen for the ringing calls of Paradise Riflebirds. Lorikeets and Fairy-Wrens are also often seen. Bring wood to enjoy a barbecue at either picnic area. Being only an hours drive from Ravensbourne National Park, the BIG4 Toowoomba Garden City Holiday Park is your ideal base to explore this wonderland of nature.

Yarraman Heritage Centre
This property is situated in the heart of Yarraman on two and three quarter acres. There are eight historic buildings on the site including what was once a Sisters of Mercy Convent. This is a two story building 25 metres by 15 metres. The internal walls are stained tongue and groove crows ash timber. Also included are the Yarraman Railway Station, Arthur Brown's Butcher Shop, c1921 slab hut and c1930 farmer's cottage.
The first floor of the main building houses a restaurant with licensed bar, licensed Cellar Door with wine tasting, a community resource centre, internet lounge with public access terminals and Visitor Information Centre.
The ground level contains district cultural museum displays; 'Wooden Wealth', the history of timber in the district; Tarong Energy display, the history of the town's first power house; the Beersheba Room, a military memorabilia display featuring a bugle used in the Light Horse Charge at Beersheba in 1917 and an Art Gallery featuring a new artist each month.
At the rear of these grounds is a section called the "Australianna Area" with a natural forest walk-way. Contact the Yarraman Heritage Centre to participate in the pre-arranged "Billy Tea & Damper" gatherings. What an iconic Aussie tradition!

Transport and Main Roads Heritage Centre
Come and visit Toowoomba's hidden gem. Located on Mutze Street opposite Toowoomba’s airport terminal, the Transport and Main Roads Heritage Centre engages visitors with exciting exhibitions that provide a fascinating insight into the department’s contributions to the economic, social and rural development of Queensland.
Visitors can travel through exhibitions showcasing the story of a department rich in history and culture. Displays cover a diverse range of themes from Aboriginal pathways, surveying and camp life to modern design, construction and maintenance. Discover road planning, construction and design history through objects, text, photos, DVD presentations and interesting oral history excerpts. The museum offers the perfect opportunity to reflect and celebrate the journey of those who have helped shape the state.
Children will meet an array of characters along the dedicated children's trail and ‘experience’ aspects of road construction history through interactive exercises. Machinery enthusiasts can enjoy the marvellous vehicles and road-building equipment on display. At event open days the whole family can experience external displays coming to life with demonstrations of blacksmithing, bridge pile driving and road construction machinery.
The museum is proud to show how hard work and a pioneering spirit have helped create today’s road network that connects Queensland.
Book now and ask for a guided tour through the museum and this distinctive piece of Queensland's history. You'll be surprised at what you discover!

Historical Mural Series Millmerran & Cecil Plains
Follow the trail of Millmerran and Cecil Plains' historical murals, where various stages of the region's history are depicted on the side of buildings.
The Old Millmerran Butter Factory Mural depicts the development of the dairy industry. Swim costume fashions of years gone by feature on the wall of Millmerran's Swimming Pool.
The Millmerran Reservoir Mural shows the development of transport from the nineteenth century to the early part of the twentieth century.
The four giant Murals at the Cecil Plains Memorial Hall illustrate life on the land and the coming of the railway line. Something for the art and history buff alike!

Historical Walk Through Russell Street
This self-guided walking tour of Toowoomba's Russell Street will lead you by landmarks of fine historic architecture, many of which date back to the 1860s.
The walk commences at the Railway Station on Railway Street, continues west to Kensington Street and then returns east to the intriguing shop fronts in the city centre.
Drop in to the Toowoomba's Visitor Information Centre on the corner of James and Kitchener Street for a copy of the brochure to guide you along your way.
Allow a minimum of one hour for a brisk walk and longer for a leisurely stroll. Visit one of the many coffee shops for a refreshing drink along the way. A perfect way to discover some of Toowoomba's hidden gems!

Empire Theatre
Built in 1911, rebuilt in an art deco style in 1933 following a fire and finally restored and reopened in 1997, Toowoomba's Empire Theatre is a heritage listed venue that provides a wide variety of performing arts for every taste. The Empire is Australia's largest regional performing arts complex and stages world class shows from leading national and international performers as well as showcasing a wealth of local talent.
Whether it is popular music, ballet, comedy or any live performance, the lavish art-deco styling of the venue combined with its state of the art technology makes for a magical and memorable experience. The Empire Theatre also offers historical tours and attracts many visitors each year. The complex is also a popular choice for conferences and events, including weddings, offering a unique experience to guests. Make sure to include a visit to the Empire Theatre in your itinerary when visiting Toowoomba!

Koonin Lookout via Crows Nest Falls
In Crows Nest National Park, Crows Nest Falls plummet 25 metres into Crows Nest Creek.
Beyond Crows Nest Falls lookout, the Koonin lookout track winds away from the creek through open forest past an almost dry creek to Koonin Lookout. Here, you are rewarded by a spectacular view over a deep gorge known locally as the Valley of Diamonds.
The origin of the name is a mystery but could refer to the way the surrounding granite rocks sparkle in the sunlight. The Aboriginal word for hoop pine is 'Koorin'. There is a stand of this timber beside the creek 120 metres below the lookout. Enjoy the view and listen for the bell-like call of the Spotted Pardalote in the valley below. Take advantage of the BBQ facilities and picnic area to enjoy a family get together while immersing yourself in the beauty of nature.

Coffee House Toowoomba
Renowned for their award-winning coffee and friendly staff, Coffee House Toowoomba have received a stylish makeover as a coffee hot spot serving breakfast and brunch to compliment their brand-new luxury apartment complex, Laguna Serviced Apartments.
A much-needed and contemporary addition to this side of Toowoomba, the transformed Coffee House is destined to warm the senses.
A delicious variety of options to tempt the taste buds await. Or simply stop by for coffee and a slice of something sweet. Make the most of a warm sunny day and sit outside to enjoy the relaxing water feature. Something for everyone's taste!

Fitzys Fibber Magee - Fitzys on Church
Atmosphere is in no short supply when you immerse yourself in Fitzy’s on Church.
Fitzy's on Church is the latest addition to Fitzy's Fibber Magee and brings a contemporary element to the iconic Irish Pub. Comfortable and relaxing no matter what time of year, Fitzy's on Church offers an 'outdoors in' feel that is perfect for lunch, dinner, a catch up with friends or your next function.
Fitzy's on Church continues its passion for fine food with a wide a-la-carte selection of the finest modern Australian cuisine along with the very best traditional favourites.
Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and in between for light meals and snacks. The multiple bars trade from 10.30 a.m. until late along with an exciting gaming lounge operating from 10.00 a.m. seven days a week. The perfect spot in Toowoomba to dine, socialize and enjoy live entertainment.

The Chocolate Cottage and Cafe, Highfields
Situated on grassy acreage overlooking unsurpassed views of the Toowoomba Range, the café has plenty of room for the family with shaded outdoor seating and warm indoor dining around a fireplace throughout winter.
The hand-painted chairs, colourful décor and quirky giftware all provide a perfect environment to indulge in our handmade chocolates, award winning cuisine and Lavazza coffee.
A short fifteen minute, picturesque drive north-west of Toowoomba, The Chocolate Cottage is nestled in The Village Green at the historic town of Highfields.
Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays) 8.30am to 5.00pm.
A stay in Toowoomba would not be complete without a visit to The Chocolate Cottage and Café at Highfields.

Local Events

Hampton Food and Art Festival
from 19 May, 2017 to 21 May, 2017
Perched high atop the escarpment just north of Toowoomba, the picturesque hamlet of Hampton is known for its abundance and rich diversity of fresh produce and cottage providores.
Join us in May for the annual Hampton Festival – a celebration of the many attributes of our area - fresh regional produce, unique gourmet
industries and an established enclave of artists and creative culture.
9.30am to 4.00pm
Chapman Park Hampton
Tickets available at the gate for $10 and children under 12 free.
HOW TO GET TO HAMPTON
Off road parking by gold coin donation to the Rural Fire Brigade
Free bus from Toowoomba and Highfields (Stonestreets Coaches) or Crows Nest (Range Charter Coaches).

Toowoomba Carnival Of Flowers 2017
from 15 September, 2017 to 24 September, 2017
The locals love it and visitors travel from all over the country to be part of it. Now in its 67th year the award-winning Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers continues to grow. Spectacular gardens, country touring, live music and local food & wine plus much more.
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is a cultural party featuring floral parade, food, wine, entertainment and all things spring! So come along and entice your senses at the iconic Grand Central Floral Parade, Ergon Energy Flower, Food and Wine Festival, Heritage Bank Live Concert Series, Kids Day Out and many more.
Create your own itinerary!
Now you can customise your Carnival experience and make sure you don’t miss a thing. When you see an event you’re interested in, click the ‘add to your itinerary’ button and we’ll pop it in your personal itinerary. You can go back to your itinerary any time but remember, if the event requires a ticket, you’ll still need to book it.

Toowoomba Royal show
from 30 March, 2017 to 01 April, 2017
It's Show Time!!
Venue : Glenvale Road, TOOWOOMBA
The Official Opening will take place on People's Day, Thursday, 30th March 2017 commencing at 5:00 pm in the Main Arena. The evening entertainment runs each night starting at approximately 6:00 pm and concluding at approximately 9:00 pm. A wide range of entertainment will be on offer, at Side Show Alley, the Village Green area, Family Stage, Main Arena, Animal Nursery and roving. Don't miss out on all the fun and excitement!

Farm Fest
from 06 June, 2017 to 08 June, 2017
More than 2,500 individual companies and organisations will be exhibiting at CRT FarmFest. Abrasives to air seeders, ATV’s to augers, bins to boomsprays, bull bars to brush cutters, cattle to cultivators, engines to electric fences, front end loaders to fuel supplies, grain dryers to grader blades, harvesters to hoses, laser levelers to livestock, mulchers to mobile phones, ploughs to pumps, rock pickers to rippers, sheds to sawmills, tractors to tanks, welders to wood splitters and zero till planters.

Toowoomba Weetwood Racing
from 08 April, 2017 to 08 April, 2017
The Weetwood Handicap is synonymous with Toowoomba. For more than 100 years this race has attracted fans to Clifford Park to celebrate Toowoomba's greatest race-day.
In 2017 the Toowoomba Turf Club will celebrate the one hundred and twenty-seventh running of the Weetwood Handicap.
The Weetwood will continue to be a stand-alone metropolitan Saturday race meeting status as part of the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival.
The 2017 Weetwood will be the richest race-day ever conducted at Clifford Park. Over AUD650000 in prize money, four black-type races and the stars of the Queensland racing industry will deliver the largest race meeting on record.
An expected 6000 spectators from Toowoomba, south-east Queensland and interstate will line the straight to participate in the race day.
In 2017 the Weetwood race day will experience a revolution, a transformation to one of the region's premier events.

High Altitude Rod Run Toowoomba
from 10 March, 2017 to 12 March, 2017
The High Altitude Rod Run is a distinctive event that attracts hot rodders and over 50s culture enthusiast to the Toowoomba region each year in March. The event showcases the region to 200 visiting cars. On the Sunday, the rodders showcase the vehicles in Margaret Street with a ""Show and Shine"". This is a showcase of some of the best examples of hot rods from Queensland and interstate, with rock and roll dancing featuring a live band. The event attracts a crowd of up to 1,000 people and is family friendly and totally free.

2017 Toowoomba Spring Home Show and Camping and Leisure Expo
from 20 October, 2017 to 22 October, 2017
This event is a major shopping experience for Toowoomba and surrounding districts. It will host an extensive range of quality home and lifestyle products including building, renovating, green living, home improvements, homewares, kitchenware, electrical, pools, spas, finance, gardening, solar energy and heating, and loads more.
The Camping and Lifestyle Expo is a huge success and will return with an even bigger range of products and services for getting outdoors and enjoying the warmer months ahead with family and friends.
There will be a packed timetable of free entertainment and exciting prizes to be won, onsite food courts and loads more.

Bush Christmas
from 01 December, 2017 to 10 December, 2017
One of a kind Christmas presents create one of a kind Christmas memories. So if it is the perfect handmade present, a mouth watering gift or some unique stocking stuffers you are after this Christmas, then the 17th annual Bush Christmas Exhibition is the place to be.
More than 110 rural and remote artisans are starring at the annual gallery-style gift exhibition in Toowoomba. With everything from quality leather goods, beautiful books and body products to exquisite jewellery, exclusive homewares and works of art. There is something for everyone. For the gourmet lover, there will be a multitude of mouth watering goodies on offer including handmade biscuits, jams and puddings for the sweet tooth. While those who savour the savoury will fall in love with the tastes of the dressings, spices and teas.